How OFFBRAND makes money
OFFBRAND is a brand-only community, and some of our money comes from vendors. Here's exactly where it comes from, and the rules that keep vendor money from shaping the conversation.
Where our money comes from
Membership
Observer membership is free. A paid membership tier is planned for 2027; founding members will hear the terms well before anything changes.
Labeled partner listings
Vendors can pay to list an event they're hosting or to feature a perk. Every listing is marked as sponsored and lives in its own space, never the main forums. Event listings are capped at two a week.
Perks and offers
Vendors pay to list discounts for members in Perks & Offers. Some perks include a referral share, meaning the vendor pays us a portion of what you spend if you sign up through OFFBRAND.
Group buying (coming 2027)
We negotiate member-only rates on big operating costs like shipping and fulfillment. The vendor pays us a referral share when a member signs up. Every deal page says so, and we only list a rate if it beats what members can get on their own.
The rules vendors agree to
- Vendors never get member names, contact details, or lists.
- Vendors only hear from you if you choose to reach out or request a quote.
- Vendors can't post, comment, or pitch in member forums or DMs.
- Vendors never get a say in member discussions, polls, or reviews.
- Every sponsored item is labeled as sponsored.
- What vendors get is aggregated engagement (views, clicks, RSVPs), never names.
What we'll never do
- Sell or share member data.
- Run banner ads or vendor posts in the main forums.
- Let vendors buy better placement in member discussions.
- Promote the founders' own outside products or ventures inside OFFBRAND.
Questions about a listing?
If something looks like a pitch that slipped through, or you want to know whether a perk or deal pays us, ask. We'll tell you.
Last updated October 28, 2026.